Topographic map coverage of Canada is based on the NAtional Topographic System (NTS). These maps depict in detail ground relief (landforms and terrain), drainage (lakes and rivers), forest cover, administrative areas, populated areas, transportation routes and facilities (including roads and railways), and other man-made features.

A 1/50 000 scale topographic map is ideal for recreational activities such as cycling, canoeing, snowmobiling, fishing, camping and hiking. Accurately shown are hills, valleys, lakes, rivers, streams, rapids, portages, trails and wooded areas; major, secondary and side roads, and all man-made features such as buildings, power lines, dams and cut lines. A 1/50 000 scale map covers an area approximately 1000 square kilometres.

Maps at this scale are used by all levels of government and industry for flood control, forest fire control, real estate planning, development of natural resources, environmental issues, right-of-way, highway planning, and depiction of crop areas. In fact, maps at the 1/50 000 scale can be used for almost any conceivable requirement.

A 1/250 000 scale topographic map is considered to be a reconnaissance-type map. It covers the same area of land as sixteen 1/50 000 scale maps. This scale is popular not only as a detailed overview of a large area, but also as a detailed road map for use when travelling on back roads and side roads. A full 1/250 000 scale map shows an area approximately the size of Prince Edward Island.

Topographic map coverage of Canada is based on the NAtional Topographic System (NTS). These maps depict in detail ground relief (landforms and terrain), drainage (lakes and rivers), forest cover, administrative areas, populated areas, transportation routes and facilities (including roads and railways), and other man-made features.

A 1/50 000 scale topographic map is ideal for recreational activities such as cycling, canoeing, snowmobiling, fishing, camping and hiking. Accurately shown are hills, valleys, lakes, rivers, streams, rapids, portages, trails and wooded areas; major, secondary and side roads, and all man-made features such as buildings, power lines, dams and cut lines. A 1/50 000 scale map covers an area approximately 1000 square kilometres.

Maps at this scale are used by all levels of government and industry for flood control, forest fire control, real estate planning, development of natural resources, environmental issues, right-of-way, highway planning, and depiction of crop areas. In fact, maps at the 1/50 000 scale can be used for almost any conceivable requirement.

A 1/250 000 scale topographic map is considered to be a reconnaissance-type map. It covers the same area of land as sixteen 1/50 000 scale maps. This scale is popular not only as a detailed overview of a large area, but also as a detailed road map for use when travelling on back roads and side roads. A full 1/250 000 scale map shows an area approximately the size of Prince Edward Island.